Can You Keep an Orchid Alive in Artificial Light?

Orchid blossoms are delicate and exotic, with their tall, slender stalks and exquisitely-shaped petals. A majority of the 30,000 orchid species grow in tropical climates, but many species have adapted to thriving in colder parts of the world as well. As a general rule, orchids love a lot of light, and will grow high in trees to reach it. Unless you live in the tropics and can provide your orchids with 12 to 14 hours of intense natural light each day, supplementation with artificial light may be necessary. As a matter of fact, if you plan on growing orchids indoors, artificial light is the best way to keep them blooming almost year-round.

Things You'll Need

• 1 four-tube fluorescent light fixture, 4 feet long
• 2 fluorescent light tubes, cool-white
• 2 fluorescent light tubes, warm-white
• Medium- or low-light compact-growing orchids less than 10 inches tall
• Room humidifier

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Position the orchids no more than 6 to 8 inches away from the tubes. The most intense light comes from the center of the fixture.

   • 2

     Leave the orchids in front of the bulbs for 12 to 14 hours a day, following the natural seasonal day length. Do not leave them in front of the light for 24 hours a day; orchids need nighttime breaks.

   • 3

     Run the humidifier in the room where the orchids are located to maintain moisture in the air. Orchids grown under artificial light dry out more quickly than those grown under natural light.